Broken Instruments

We've been working our way through the book of Exodus in our Wednesday night Bible study for the last few weeks, and something that's come up a few times along the way is Moses's imperfections. What do we learn about Moses in the first few chapters of the book?  

• He's a murderer and fugitive from the law (2:11-15)
• He wasn't even committed enough to his Jewish heritage to circumcise his son (4:24-26)
• He's a poor public speaker (4:10)
• He's considered an Egyptian, not a Hebrew, by on-lookers (2:16-19)

Moses has a few strikes against him with the Egyptians and with the Hebrews. Sure, he has some unique qualifications for the job, too. He has experience and knowledge of both the Egyptian and Hebrew cultures. He clearly has a heart for the plight of the Hebrew slaves. But he's hardly an ideal candidate for going to Pharaoh, demanding "Let my people go!", and leading Israel out of Egypt. He has some serious imperfections.

Moses's story reminds me of something I heard Rick Warren say in an interview a couple years ago. He remarked that, "God only uses broken things. If he used perfect things, nothing would get done."

Yes, Moses had some brokenness, some imperfections. Everyone does. But God looked past that and called Moses, and, as a result, there were impossible miracles and astonishing deliverance. One of the foundational moments and defining acts of salvation in the story of scripture was accomplished: the Lord conquered Pharaoh’s power, emancipated the slaves, and established a nation. Everything else that comes in the story of the Bible—David and Solomon, Jonah and Daniel, Mary and Jesus—all of it is only possible because the Lord used Moses, imperfections and all.

Maybe God’s calling you today. Maybe the Lord has a job for you, but, like Moses, you’ve got a list of excuses, of reasons why God should go find somebody else. You might even have some very good reasons! Your brokenness intersects with God’s purpose, and you don’t see any sense in even trying. You’re just not the ideal candidate, not a perfect fit for this job.

But Moses already showed us just what God can do with broken and imperfect people. The Lord can accomplish impossible miracles and astonishing deliverance—through you. And it doesn’t take a sea rushing out of your way to astonish. Bread falling from the sky isn’t the only kind of impossible.

Bread in somebody’s pantry, where there’s usually cobwebs.

A shelter for women and children making room for more beds, more deliverance.

Someone who lives on the street feeling noticed, respected, and loved.

A ride to the doctor for the shut-in who’s had to cancel too many appointments.

A whole week sober for the first time in years.

A father telling his child “I’m sorry” for the first time ever.

These are the kinds of miracles that the world outside your window needs. Nothing supernatural, per se. No Red Seas or manna required. Just an imperfect but willing instrument in God’s able hands. How might you make a difference and make the world look more like that today?

Don’t think it can’t be you. God only uses broken things

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